Formation

The formation program at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary is seven years long. It consists of the following divisions:

1. One year of spiritual formation: an initial "year of spirituality" introduces the candidate to the Fraternity, its community life, and a disciplined life of prayer and penance. During this time, the seminarian wears civilian dress and, in close union with his superiors and spiritual director, seeks to discern if he is truly being called to become a priest for this community.

2. Two years of philosophical studies: In order to study theology, a sound philosophical formation is necessary. As many Popes have recommended, the philosophical studies carried out at our seminary are according to the principles and methods of St. Thomas Aquinas. These two years of philosophy are complemented by a number of other subjects such as Latin, Greek, Intro to Scripture, Fundamental Theology and Gregorian Chant. Seminarians take the cassock at the beginning of their second year and become temporary incorporated members of the Fraternity.

3. Four years of theological studies: This is a systematic study of the entire contents of the Catholic faith. The principle work used is the Summa Theologiae of St. Thomas Aquinas; this is augmented by study of the historical and scriptural basis for the Church's explication of dogma, as well as authentic teaching and development that has taken place in subsequent centuries. In addition to Dogmatic and Moral Theology, Exegesis, Liturgy, Church History, Canon Law, and Gregorian Chant are also studied during these years. A semester, or year, of apostolic work is included in the four years.

The progression and advancement toward priesthood includes Minor, as well as Major Orders (Porter, Lector, Acolyte, Exorcist, Subdiaconate, Diaconate and Priesthood). This systematic integration into priesthood provides reassurances along the way towards ordination. At the end of the formation process, the seminarian has progressed through a development of his spiritual and ascetic life within the context of community living. Following priestly ordination, the priest will be assigned to a particular apostolate within the Fraternity that includes parish work, teaching and possible further studies.